A statement issued by his spokesperson said Ban urged Myanmar’s military government “to immediately and unconditionally release” Nobel laureate Suu Kyi and to “engage with her without delay as an essential partner in the process of national dialogue and reconciliation.”

“Unless she and all other political prisoners in Myanmar are released and allowed to participate in free and fair elections, the credibility of the political process will remain in doubt,” the statement said.

U.N. diplomats said it was likely the Security Council would meet later on Tuesday to discuss the verdict passed for violation of an internal security law.